More Than Just a Game: The Black Origins of Basketball by Madison Moore and Lonnie Ollivierre - ADVISABLE

More Than Just a Game: The Black Origins of Basketball by Madison Moore, illustrated by Lonnie Ollivierre. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Albert Whitman, 2021. $17. 9780807552711 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Basketball originated within the walls of the segregated YMCAs in the late 1890’s. Soon it was played by all over the U.S. – even by Blacks, who had first been left out. Before the formation of the NBA, Black players formed Black Fives teams to play each other and also some white teams. Now more than 70% of the NBA players are Black. 

I loved the introduction to the Black Fives and their place in basketball history. The denser text makes this a book best for older elementary students, and can perhaps reach up to middle school in places with a robust picture book collection. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS